AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThank You Sir! May I Have Another?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you would have told me Friday afternoon that the Atlanta Thrashers would out-shoot the Bruins 33-25 AND that we would put three goals past Tim Thomas…who came into the game with a .940 SV% and a 1.90 GAA…AND that the Thrashers would be successful on 2 of their 4 power play chances…I would have told you that we were gonna have a great night down at Blueland.
I would have been incorrect.
After the first couple minutes into the game, I gazed up at the scoreboard and made note that the Thrashers were out-shooting the Boston Bruins 4-0. “Pretty good way to start against the conference’s best team”, I thought to myself. “Certainly this is a good sign and can only lead to good things”.
I was incorrect.
By the time Boston had taken their fourth shot of the game at the 8:41 mark of the first period…they owned a 3-0 lead and Ondrej Pavelec had been chased from the net. Three minutes and fifteen second later it was 4-0 and the Un-good-O-meter was spinning off its axes.
Boston had 4 goals on only 5 shots on the Thrashers’ net.
Eleven of the eighteen Boston skaters earned points on those first four goals and thirteen Bruins gained at least a point on the night overall. Phil Kessel led the charge for the visitors with a pair of assists and a goal. Mark Stuart notch a pair of goals and Mark Savard…remember him?…chipped in with a pair of assists as did Matt Hunwick and David Krejci.
Opie however would finish the night in Atlanta goal as Moose was lifted after surrendering three more in the third…4 on 20 shots on goal total. After Milan Lucic’s shot…or pass…deflected in off of Boris Valabik and made the score 6-2, Hedberg’s goalie stick was ceremoniously sacrificed across the iron altar of frustration.
Pavs finished with 2 saves on 5 SOG.
I looked back up at the scoreboard just as the final horn sounded…bringing a merciful end to the mauling. On it I found that Atlanta finished the game with 33 shots on goal, finishing with 3 goals and Boston had netted their 7 on but 25 shots. Most nights an Atlanta goalie would consider facing only 25 SOG as a picnic. Friday night both keepers faced that amount combined and…sigh.
And after the 7-3 spanking at the hands of the Eastern Conference’s best team the Thrashers can now look forward to…another match-up with the same team. Tonight it will be Boston’s turn to host the party.
Let’s just hope that tonight the Thrashers are not again on the wrong end of the paddle.
Boris Off Schneid Island? Not So Fast!
One game removed from his first ever NHL point, it had seemed as though Boris Valabik had notched his first ever NHL goal. However, the box score on NHL.com as well as Yahoo Sports both show Kovalchuk with the goal…possibly glancing off his stick.
If that is the case, Boris remains on the island with Garnet Exelby. Once back from his injury, rookie Zach Bogosian can again join the two in looking for that first goal on the year.
And Finally…
Myself…along with The Divine Mrs. R, the two tax exemptions along with their female companions…had the pleasure of meeting and sitting with Volgrad1985 and the lovely Mrs. Volgrad1985. It certainly made the evening far more enjoyable then it could have been, considering the outcome.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Nemesis
December 13, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
I just hope Kari gets back soon….
By Alex
December 13, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
Pavs showing why the trade Kari sentiment is a wee bit premature
By Frosty the snowman
December 13, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
this team is just flat awful! I don’t know if I would even call this a team.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 13, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this
I wonder how Coach Sunshine is feeling now? Does he still harbor those idiotic fantasies of making the playoffs—or winning the Stanley Cup as he blustered about prior to the season?
Well, he sure isn’t looking so well now, is he? He should watch his bluster, as it’s getting close to Don Waddell-territory.
I also refuse to recognize his name as he won’t be here too long…Why bother with names?
Whoever subsidizes the incompetence of this “team” and “organization” (and I use those terms very, very loosely) is only prolonging the pain of the inevitable. This ownership group does NOT deserve your money (well, assuming it is your money to even begin with; that could explain quite a bit)…
By realfan
December 13, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
You people are the reason why hockey sucks in Atlanta, not because of the team. If you’re ready to get off the band wagon, go watch another sport and stop pretending to be fans. Try geco roman wrestling with some of your buddies (don’t forget your oil).
By 12345
December 13, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this
If the owners of the Thrashers cannot see the debacle the team is and there is only one man responsible, Don Waddell.
What does it take to fire this guy ? He is Bad as bad can be, he himself is killing NHL hockey in Atlanta.
Players who play here make good $, but when the leave they play for Stanley Cups… so why stay with a loser which Atlanta is thanks to Don Waddell.
Don, for the sake of the team, The Fans, The City and The NHL, Please announce your retirement or something, but just quit, we are all tired of you giving us a losing product year after year after year it is really old Don, so resign before it is too late to keep the NHL in Atlanta, you have done far more damage than you will ever know !
By This Gets Old
December 13, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this
“You people are the reason why hockey sucks in Atlanta, not because of the team.”
Why do I have the feeling that this was originally written in crayon and smuggled out of a mental institution?
By Tony C.
December 13, 2008 3:39 AM | Link to this
Ok I know it’s like 0300 but I’m just now watching the game. Yes I know the score already. But I’m that kind of fan.
Pavelec looks like a* (yes I’ll give you the 1st deflection, but still 3 goals on their first 5 shots?).
BCS line looks better every game (case in point: Slater’s nifty drop-pass to Boulton for 1st ATL SOG).
Perrin/Williams/Army looks good if they can realize that it’s ok to slow down once you gain the zone.
DUDE!!! Chara on a wrap-around??? WTF?!!?!?!!!
Please tell me how this guy Pavelec is a better option for the remainder of the season than a healthy KL???
Pavelec may well become a better NHL goalie than KL, but right now it ain’t so.
The worst part? The team looks decent - X had a brain-cramp on the 1st goal, but really I’ve liked our flow, but Pavelec pretty much just lost the game for us.
Wow. How demoralizing those easy early goals are!
Lovely goal by White on the re-direct.
Mercifully the period’s over.
Wow. Timmy Thomas has robbed Thorburn twice by my count (also mad props for him stepping to Chara)!
I can’t watch anymore.
GO BLUE !!!
By Krust
December 13, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
I think this team will not win 20 games, there look worse than the expansion year.The ownership and Don Wadell are an embarisment. Is there a way for McDavid to go after the spirit group and get rid of these clowns. The current group needs to get a set of balls and fire Don Waddell. They don’t do a damn thing.
By Sara
December 13, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
On a completely unrelated note, filed under the heading of general NHL business, I found this article at TSN (US version) that came out of the BOG meeting this week. Essentially it’s talking about the impact the League is anticipating from the weakened economy, which also was apparently the #1 topic of conversation at the meeting in general. The quick summary version is that the cap is not expected to change much for next season, but early projections are that it may take a significant downward hit for 2010-2011. I’d surmise that’s because the recession didn’t really kick in hard until after season ticket commitments were already in this season, whereas season ticket sales will likely be smacked hard next season. The article goes on to discuss what the strategies might or might not be for this upcoming off-season in advance of the expected cap decrease in two years.
Anyway, read and digest at will.
By Brett
December 13, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
On the Thursday addition of “In the Slot” on XM Home Ice, Don Waddell was asked the following question——-Is it IMPERATIVE the Thrashers make the play-offs this year for the long-term future of the franchise? DW rsponded Yes without hesitation. Really??? Does he think this team has a shot at the PO? If so he and ownership are delusional!!
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Oh, I’d take that bet. Atlanta will win 20 games. Maybe even 25. They’ve actually got a shot at 30. But it’s an 82-game schedule. Un-good, if the expectations were making the playoffs. I believe the expectations, coming out of training camp, were that of a “build year,” and we’re right on schedule for winding up in the lottery draft. As intended.
Sometimes, I get the impression that Don Waddell is running a side business and it takes most of his time. And that being the GM of the team is just a “part-time, passion-less hobby” of his. Honestly, salvaging this season isn’t a prudent option. If the season were intended to be salvaged, it would have taken place in October, not December. We’re on a collision course with the lottery draft. And that’s the best way out of this mess. It usually is. It’s an intelligent move to build through a draft.
If you really stop and think about it, this is what Bruce Levenson was talking about. “Why tear it down? We’re moving in the RIGHT direction.” What he meant was … “I can’t find a reputatable GM willing to endure 3 more seasons of futility while we load up via the lottery draft, which is our best option. I’m confident Waddell can place this team into the lottery draft to right our ship.”
As fans, we don’t want to hear that. As FANS, we want to hear things like, “We’re going after (supply high profile free agent here) in the offseason. We intend to go deep into the playoffs.” That’s just not realistic with this team and this ownership. So, either Bruce Levenson knows what he’s doing, and is thinking, “Imagine if we landed Kane, Toews, both Johnson defensemen, Staal, Malkin, etc., in our organization? We’d be sitting pretty!” Or, he’s a bonafide, certifiable idiot. Sadly, I’m more inclined to believe Levenson is less than a mental Giant. Waddell’s lottery draft picks were Stefan, Heatley, Kovalchuk, Lehtonen, and Bogosian. Waddell’s other Top 10 picks were Coburn, Valabik, and a trade that resulted in either the selection of D-man Chad Denny or Goalie Ondrej Pavelec, in the 2nd round of 2005. We can argue the merits of those choices. We can argue how those choices were “handled,” i.e., traded.
But ask yourself this question … couldn’t anyone reading the morning paper on Draft Day come up with most, if not ALL, of these picks? If you said, “Yes, I think that’s right.” Then there’s no reason not to make a change at the GM position, other than … that you are already paying a GM and you don’t want to pay two of them. Good … or BAD business practice?
Still thinking.
C’mon now. You know this one. Take your time. Mull it over. You know what the results of the Waddell Administration are. What you don’t know … is what some OTHER SuperIntendant of the Thrashers Railway System can do. Are the trains running on time at Blueland? Or are they bounding off the tracks? This really isn’t rocket science.
By Bob
December 13, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
You could see that Valabik’s “shot” (another blind pass thrown at the net, keep it up!), glanced off Kovy’s shoulder or chest and went in. I like his fight though!
Oh, I’d take that bet. Atlanta will win 20 games. Maybe even 25. They’ve actually got a shot at 30
They’ve got no shot at 30 wins. Think about it, it’s past the All Star break when the good teams really turn it, the good ones are just coasting now. When we get into that last 1/3rd of the season, the Tavares sweepstakes will really kick in for this club. I’d say about 24 wins is about right and they have no prayer of getting to my 73 pt prediction. Which is very good news, in the big picture.
By B's Fan
December 13, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
It’s too bad hockey is doomed in Atlanta. It’s not the fans fault, its Waddells fault. Two years ago this team was destined to be a yearly contender. Now,,, not so much. Savard, gone. Hossa, gone. Dunham, gone. Bondra, gone. And probably the worst example of mis-management is Tkachuk, which was had for half a season and a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round draft picks. THATS the problem with the Thrashers. Not the fans. If you want a winning team, draft well, re-sign vets, and attack the free agent market. After that the fans will come. Show the fans some dedication to winning and we will blow $100 an seat. Or you can keep managing this way and and us Bruins fans will keep coming to see beatdowns like last night all the way up until the move the Thrashers to Winnipeg. Waddell needs to go.
By Fantasy Island
December 13, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Midget: Da Plane Da Plane
Boss: Our guest today is a drunk owner of the Atlanta Thrashers
Midget: What are we going to do for him?
Boss: We are going to serve him as many drinks as possible so his liver will fail and then the Atlanta Thrasher fans will have something to cheer about.
Midget: Boss, that is a great fanatsy.
By five_hole
December 13, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
It’s actually worse when you think about the Bruins only able to skate 16 guys! Nokelainen played less than 4 minutes and Aaron Ward only a minute, both getting hurt in the 1st period.
I have nothing else good to add. It’s one thing to watch the team lose, it’s just disheartening to watch them lose badly, on a regular basis.
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
You may be right, Bob. In straight up wins and losses, I see the Thrashers as 27-55. My preseason prediction was 78-points. Doesn’t look like I’m gonna win, does it? Russ, do the math for me. What do the Thrashers have to do to get to 78-points, before tonight’s Bruins game? Whatever that is, it’s gonna be tough to pull off.
By volgrad1985
December 13, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
OK, I admit I’m an optimist when it comes to this team. The glass is half full (well, maybe only a third full).
Last night, as with almost EVERY game this season, I watched them compete evenly, if not better, than the opponent…..for 50 minutes. The puck movement, defensive coverage, passing, good scoring opportunities, puck possession, standing up for each other and fighting when needed, all of this was on display enough (as usual this season) to win this game. It has been those dreaded 10 minutes or so of regrettable hockey that has done us in too often this year.
Anyways, I see too much good hockey from this team (or at least the potential for good hockey) to sit here and point fingers at them, the coaches, or management. It’s simply a waste of time and I don’t understand what pleasure is gained by those on the blog that incessantly do so. In contrast, MY pleasure will be the satisfaction of having stuck with this team throughout the growing process of the franchise. I wouldn’t wanna sprain an ankle jumping on and off the bandwagon after every good or bad game.
As Rawhide mentioned, my wife and I sat with him and his nice family for this game. We were graciously invited to join them after I clumsily interrupted him and introduced myself outside of the arena before the game. It was an absolute pleasure for my wife and I to sit with great fans like him and his family, and I’d like to offer a ‘thank you’ for a fun evening. We hope to see you guys at the arena again sometime.
By Get The Puck Out
December 13, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Hey- I just saw J.P. broadcasting a SOCCER game on espn. Is he on his way out of Atlanta? Can’t blame him. I bet it’s not easy making excuses for a losing team almost every game. Something’s gotta happen with this team. I’s pretty embarrassing when the opposing team at your HOME has more to cheer about than you do every game. Sad,sad,sad.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 13, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
I don’t see what pleasure is gained by wasting good money on a pitiful product…I stopped subsidizing the incompetence a long, long time ago—and I have encouraged countless others to do so (whether you like it or not).
Maybe wasting good money gives a sheep a mental image of being a “good fan”? I beg to differ.
At this point, there is only one course of action (by the “fans”) which will change the ownership’s mind: STOP buying the product.
I absolutely guarantee you that an empty arena will effect the necessary change to, at least, get going in a different direction (from the course set forth and managed by that bumbling little fraud of a GM we currently have).
Sara’s magical fantastical spreadsheets aside, there is simply no more defense of the indefensible. It’s now in the FANS—the real fans—hands to do what is necessary if they truly love this team…
You know what to do…
By Thrashers27
December 13, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
B’s Fan,
What are you talking about “Dunham gone”? That guy sucked the big hockey stick and probably, single handedly cost the Thrashers their first playoff appearance in the year prior to the lockout. Hardly anyone to “boohoo” about leaving. Same with Bondra. He was fun to watch, but I don’t see his departure as any sort of crushing blow to the team or its morale.
I wouldn’t be too proud about last night. Winning comes and goes. The Thrashers certainly look awful right now, but it’ll come around…some day.
By Midfield
December 13, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
How suck it will when the Winnipeg Thrashers hoist Stanley Cup in a few years?
By The Joker
December 13, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Will Levenson raise ticket prices again next season, since that strategy has worked so well?
By volgrad1985
December 13, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Being critical and wanting your team to get better when they’re down is one thing. But I simply don’t understand how anyone can consider themselves a fan of a team, yet spend more time and wasted effort denigrating every aspect of that team then the fans of its rivals would. What a sad, pitiful existence these folks must have.
My advice: if you hate this team so much that you feel the urge to post repetitively negative rants for months or years at a time, pick a different team to root for. Hey, there’s room on the Detroit or San Jose bandwagon….jump on.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 13, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
For those that think Lehtonen or Pavelec should be traded, do you think Hedberg will ever appear in a list like this one?
This happens to be one of those years where backups are being used heavily across the league. Personally, I like the prospect of having Pavelec or Lehtonen as the backup in the future, and not relying upon Hedberg (who can do the job for now, but is probably more valuable in a coaching role for this team in the long run).
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
With committed ownership, it only takes three years to fix a franchise. Three. In 2001, TB finished dead last. By 2004, they hoisted the Cup. Carolina finished dead last in 2003. By 2006, they hoisted the Cup. In 2004, Washington finished dead last. (Omit the lockout year in 2005.) By 2008, they were hosting a playoff series, which they lost, in overtime, of game 7. Their opponent wasn’t eliminated until the CF. And can you say, with certainty, that the Capitals won’t win their division this year? Can you say, with certainty, that the Capitals won’t win a playoff round in 2009? And these are just examples housed within our own division. Three years. That’s what it takes.
The frustration you see on these blogs isn’t about wanting to jump onto some other team. It’s just about urging and nudging management, and even fans, to take the steps necessary to giving a new GM the tools to embark on our next “3 year plan.” No intervention equals … no new results.
By Alan
December 13, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Don Waddell was asked the following question——-Is it IMPERATIVE the Thrashers make the play-offs this year for the long-term future of the franchise? DW rsponded Yes without hesitation.
I think he misunderstood the question. He thought the question was “Is it imperative for the Thrashers to make the playoffs this year for the long-term future of his job?”
His answer is correct. But like I said, he didn’t hear the question right.
By Jim
December 13, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
The only reason that it appeared that we were playing Boston evenly was that they went into a defensive shell to protect their 4-0 lead. They know how to win. We know how to lose and will continue to gain experience at “losing”. 20 wins will be a stretch for THIS TEAM. The Wolves would win 30 in the NHL.
By Thrashers27
December 13, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard who’s in net tonight?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 13, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Brendan — I don’t know about you, but I’m not exactly envious of the runs to The Cup Carolina and Tampa Bay have made, mainly due to their seasons afterward.
Let’s see…they win The Cup, then fade back into line with the rest of the SE, being beaten out by the Thrashers and Capitals each of the last two seasons, and missing the playoffs (both teams I’m speaking of here).
Since then, they’ve fired their head coach (twice for TB), and have been everything but the envy of the SE division. Carolina hasn’t been able to make a large Free Agent splash, and their modicum of talent has shown that it truly is less than stellar, and perhaps they rode a hot streak to the Championship.
ALl they have to show for it is a banner that reminds them of the past, not instills in them good thoughts towards the future.
Sure, I’d love a Stanley Cup banner hanging from the rafters of Philips. But not at the expense of becoming the laughing stock of the NHL (Tampa Bay), or the team that sets the NHL record for worst consecutive seasons following a Stanley Cup victory. I want sustained success, not fleeting success followed by years of mediocrity.
Washington might become the team we want to emulate, eventually..but time will tell.
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Ranallo, I truly appreciate what you’re saying. Clearly, consistency and longevity in the postseason is what any organization should strive for. Not just for the fanbase. But obviously there are tremendous financial benefits to being a “Final Four” type team, for eight years out of ten. With or without that elusive Stanley Cup banner. I agree with that completely.
Do you sense a “but” coming? Ooops, I gave it away. But, teams like St. Louis, Buffalo, Vancouver, Washington, and the most unsuccessful team in the NHL, Winnipeg/Phoenix, have never tasted the Stanley Cup champagne. And almost all of them have been in the league for three decades. Ask a fan in any of those markets if they’d take a Stanley Cup, followed by 5 years of playoff drought, and they’d all take it in a heartbeat. It’s a rare and precious thing to win a Cup. Ranger fans waited 54 years for one. Leafs fans have been waiting 41 years. And Blackhawk fans, well … they’re officially on the clock, with their last Cup in ‘61.
The point being? In my view of things, Take it whenever and however you can get it; it might never come again. Think about it. Right or wrong? Ask any Leaf fan if they thought, in 1967, with Expansion looming, that it would hinder or inhibit their progression towards a Cup anytime in the near future. They’d have laughed … and laughed … and laughed. Present this deal to a Leafs fan right now: The Cup in 2010, followed by 10 years of non-playoffs, or 10 straight years of Conference Quarter-Final berths, but no Cup. Guess which one they’ll pick, Ranallo? I know. I’ve picked the “Mecca, in the height of drought,” … it’s not really fair of a comparison. Duly noted.
And yes, Carolina runs hot-n-cold. In seven of the nine years which preceeded their 2002 run to the SCF, they were playoff “no-shows.” In 2001, they lost to NJ, 4-2, in the opening round. Then, they won the Eastern Conference and lost the Cup to Detroit in 2002. That was a very, very unpredictable run for the ‘Canes. By 2003, they’d fallen all the way to WORST in the league. Quite a free fall, to be sure. The next two years, they missed the playoffs. Then won the Cup following the lockout, over Edmonton. Then, disappeared from the playoffs. But, to be fair, they almost won the SE division last year, needing only a home win over Florida down the stretch-run to accomplish that. They didn’t get it, the Caps won the Division, and the ‘Canes missed the dance entirely because of it. That’s rough for Carolina.
Had there not been a labor dispute, I suspect the Bolts would have repeated as Stanley Cup Champions in 2005. They still had Khabibulin under contract, along with the big three, and the unstoppable Eric Perrin. Just kidding. Tampa Bay remained in the playoff field for 2006 and 2007, but could not advance past the opening round. Then, the wheels fell off. Forty years from now, if that’s Tampa Bay’s only Cup, and Atlanta still has nothing to show, in terms of league championships, it puts their accomplishment into perspective.
And finally, look at the Atlanta Braves. Fourteen (14) straight years in the playoffs. Are fans grateful? Or do they gripe, “Geez, one World Series win to show for all those great seasons?” Florida Marlins fans chuckle, “For all your division titles, Atlanta, we still have more World Series wins than you do. And we haven’t been in the league nearly as long.” Yeah, and the Marlins have experienced quite a few dredful seasons, too. I understand the “ebb and flow” of seasons. I’ll take the lottery draft years as the price for the Championship years over 15th place, ANNUALLY, any day or the week, and twice on Sunday.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 13, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Winning the beauty pageant in third grade then ballooning to a 300lb King Cone inhaling behemoth is not exactly what I would yearn for.
Call me crazy (I’m sure many of you will for this upcoming statement), but I’d be much prouder for my team as a fan if they were to constantly fall short of the ultimate goal, than if they were to win it once then be nowhere near competitive for the next few decades.
Not every team can be a dynasty, no doubt, but I would much rather have a team like Pittsburgh right now, than a team like Tampa Bay. Sure, they can point to their 200X Stanley Cup banner and say “haha, we won it more recently than you”, but they’ll be doing it while losing more than they win during the regular season, while not even qualifying to prove they’re the “best” team in the NHL again. Meanwhile Pittsburgh can say they have arguably the strongest team in the NHL, and have years of success in their future. Tampa has…well…years of being mocked.
I don’t look for ONE win, I look for MULTIPLE wins.
You mention the Braves…I appreciated the Braves during their stretch, even with one World Series trophy to show for it. The Braves are considered a Dynasty, while the Marlins aren’t considered anything near it. The Braves have had arguably the best GM and Coach in the majors during that stretch, while the Marlins have gone through the deck of cards for coaches, and have had some of the crappiest management/ownership in baseball. Sure, they won a few trophies, good for them…but I’m definitely not envious of their successes. Anybody can get hot any year, win a championship, and have their names engraved on The Cup (or the WS Trophy). But in my mind, I don’t remember every last winner of a championship trophy…I remember the dominant teams that have shown year in and year out they’re a force.
New Jersey was a dominant team. Detroit is the epitome of dominant teams. San Jose is a dominant team.
Carolina and Tampa Bay are not dominant teams, thus I don’t envy their successes.
As Hossa said about the way Detroit plays, they show up to win every night. I want a team that does that, no matter if they’ve won a Cup or not. I want my home town team to fight every year, not sit back complacently because “we won it all in __”.
I’ll take 14 straight division championships, a few Conference championships and only 1 Stanley Cup while being placed in the annals of history as one of the greatest teams ever. Yes, I’d take that over 3 Stanley Cups in a 10 year span, 5 last place finishes, and no semblance of a consistently strong team who is known more for their epic roster turnovers than for their 3 Stanley Cups.
I want the Thrashers to be more like the Braves, and a lot less like the Marlins. That’s the type of fan I am…I respect dominance, not brief greatness.
By Rawhide
December 13, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Got the last bit of Christmas decorations up around the house…did some shopping…ready for some Thrashers hockey tonight!
Oh, I’m watching the Kings and Wild play…L.A. is up 2-0 in the 3rd. If they win, they will have a winning record.
Again, that’s….
THE L.A. KINGS WILL HAVE A WINNING RECORD AND ONLY BE A POINT OR SO OUT OF A PLAYOFF SPOT!
Meanwhile…back at the Blueland Ranch…sigh
volgrad1985 - The pleasure was all mine I assure you. We’ll see ya Thursday!
realfan - I would venture to say that the reason hockey “sucks” in Atlanta is more because of inept owners who fail to see the current GM has had enough time and should be replaced but fail to have the testicular fortitude to do so…than anything anyone says on this or any other forum.
What anyone posts here or elsewhere makes little difference in the makeup and competitiveness of the team. What the Spirit Clowns and DW do and say…does.
Alan - I disagree with your 2:54 pm post. DW knows that if he wasn’t fired after last season’s debacle…what would make him fear for his job now?
See, that’s the problem.
The other question Thursday during his XM call-in that caught my attention was when he was asked if Kovy would be a Thrasher during the 2010-11 season. Waddell responded he was 110% that he would be.
Sara - Great article. Thanks for posting it. Even though the league may not see a change until the 2010-11 season…I would suspect some teams will have that situation in mind over the next couple of seasons and may hedge their payrolls accordingly.
Jim - I don’t know if the wolves would win 30 in the NHL…but I understand your point. This is why I am all in favor of bringing up Kulda and dropping XLB or Schneider…bringing up Stuart and dropping Williams…bringing up Sterling and dropping Christensen.
That last one is the one that really bugs the %$#&! out of me the most, too. It just make the “Hossa/Dupuis for Army/Crusher + prospects” deal look that much worse in hind-sight.
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Ranallo, I’m not going to mock you for that opinion. And I hardly think your opinion is an isolated one. One of the hockey teams that fits your (Braves) description is actually Atlanta’s former team, the Flames. Between 1981 and 1995, the Calgary Flames finished in the top four teams in their conference ten (10) times. They were a strong, competitive team. In that stretch, they also won five (5) division titles (‘88, ‘89, ‘90, ‘94, ‘95), two Conference Championships (‘86 and ‘89) and won one (1) Cup (‘89). But what was happening while Calgary was strong? Answer: The Islanders Dynasty and the Oilers Dynasty. Plus the Habs managed to win two (2) Cup in there, as well. And Pittsburgh won two (2) Cups, also. Probably should have had a third.
Why mention that? Well, when a fan takes stock of WHERE their team ranks, realistically, in the big picture, it helps them set some parameters of expectations. To quote former Flames Head Coach, Terry “Crispy” Crisp, “Yeah, well … we’re disappointed that we didn’t win more than that one title in ‘89. But we were a good team for an awfully long time.” If he sounds ‘proud,’ he should be. They were a good team. But are they considered among the all-time NHL elites? Hmmn, not really. If they’d won in ‘86, ‘89, and ‘90, then they’d probably be given more credit for what they achieved. The Flames had “100-point” seasons in 1988, 1989, and 1991. They had 99-points in 1990, in a year where they were arguably the odds-on favorites to win the Cup, and certainly one of the most elite teams in the league. Ask a Flames fan if they’d prefered that dominance or two Cup wins, it’d be interesting to hear their reply.
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Enjoy the game, everyone! The puck drops in moments…
By Tony C.
December 13, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
San Jose’s been in the League 17 years.
But their management has made them a competitive team for 12 out of those 17.
It’s not impossible to get things on the good foot and keep it there.
I like the example of the Blues-sure they’ve never won The Cup, but pick a year -generally any year of their existence and they’ve been a “solid” team at worst.
Listen yall, I’ve found some information about ol’ DW.
I’d like to start a “reminder” campaign. Nothing stalker-ish or threatening (even if my “worst angels” are SCREAMING for it).
I’m pretty sure I know where his neighborhood is…
What I propose is we put some signs in public lands nearby with some “messages of encouragement” for DW.
Rawhide has my info, as well as better details of my plan. Thse of you that feel they can do something like this while keeping it legal and above-board please get in touch with him to get my contact info.
Trixie-if this post is too over-the-top please remove it. I understand the need for professionalism.
Fernandez in net for the B’s…. and no that’s not a huge downgrade from Thomas (who definitely kept the gate closed against us last night-robbing us of more than one goal).
I don’t think that this team is that far away from being “solid” but from being a true playoff contender-dude at least two more years.
I’m not going to stop being a fan, but for darn sure I’m going to let management and ownership know that I am nowhere near pleased and far, far from satisfied with the product they think I’m dumb enough to believe is a legit playoff team.
If they trade #17, all that changes though.
GO BLUE !!!
By Sage of Bluesland
December 13, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Down 2-0 in the 1st period…
Welcome to Expansionland—become one with statistical spreadsheets to make you feel better and with the rose-colored glasses sold to you by Don Waddell…
I like the NHLTicket (or whatever it’s called)…An unexpected benefit is that I don’t have to listen to the pathetic organizational tool that is Darren Eliot—he of the Waddell-given glasses—on most of the Thrashers games…
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 13, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
I would much rather be a San Jose fan than a Carolina/Tampa Bay fan.
Most people consider the Carolina/Tampa Bay Cups “flukes”, where as San Jose’s lack of success the past few years “disappointments”.
I’d rather feel disappointed that my team cannot get over that final hump/obstacle and win a Cup, then watch my team win one and follow it up with dismal season after dismal season. That’s too bittersweet for me.
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Sage, tonight Darren Eliot said, “Let’s be honest, folks. After what happened last night, this team can’t afford to go down, 3-0.”
“Let’s be honest, folks?” Here’s my answer. “Why start now, Darren? Shouldn’t you be saying *hockey stick. Or something. The closest thing I’ve ever heard Darren Eliot offer in terms of Managerial Direction or ownership is this, following the Rangers sweep of Atlanta in the 2007 playoffs. “Well, nothing has come easily for this franchise.” The team makes four (4) future-altering trade deadline moves … designed to give the team a fighting shot at a CF berth, and it results in zero wins, and that’s as HARSH as Eliot was willing to get. Unbelievable. When you stop to consider that Visnevski cost Atlanta a 2nd round pick, dealing him for Eric Belanger actually cost the club a 1st, two 2nd, and a 3rd round draft pick, once you factor Keith Tkachuk’s deal into the equasion. And Belanger didn’t stay. Zhitnik was bought out. The team passed on Tkachuk, rightly. Dupuis’ acquisition cost Atlanta a former 1st round pick (Bourret). But, I believe Atlanta picked up a 3rd round pick from the Rangers. I suppose that negate the 3rd rounder lost by the Tkachuk signing.
Raise your hand if you think Bruce Levenson, Rutherford Seydel, Beau Turner, Ed Pescowitz, or Michael Gearon scoured the NHL’s talent … and told Don Waddell, these are the four moves you need to make. Oh really, now. Your hand is only up in the air for comedic relief.
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
See, I disagree, Ranallo. Let me explain to you why I feel this way. I’m not asking you to AGREE, nor am I attempting to persuade you to my point of view. I’m merely providing an alternative viewpoint.
Still with me?
Let’s sayyyy, for the sake of argument, that the Thrashers won the Cup in 2005, the season that was lost to the lockout. Okayyy, since then, we’ve missed the playoffs by 2-points, been back, and been swept by the Rangers, and been in the lottery draft by 2008.
Still with me, Ranallo? Okay. What’s the difference between that and what we actually experienced?
Thinking….
Still thinking ….
Try this out … We know we can win the Cup. We did it, BEFORE. We just have to get back to where we were. What did we do then, that worked for us?
We also get to thumb our noses at Toronto, when Leaf fans come to town. And that, right there, is GOOD ENOUGH! We’d get to say things like, “See, here in the DEEP SOUTH, we know hockey better than YOU, Toronto. Don’t believe us? Ask Tampa Bay and Carolina, our fellow Southeast Divisional Stanley Cup Champions.”
Allright. End the delusion. That was all I wanted to say. Plus, ya know, we get that cool NHL Stanley Cup video, the banner hanging … pride for our city, etc., etc., etc.
Valabik just took on Chara in a fight! Woo hoo!!
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 13, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
COME ON!!! Chara vs. Valabik and I CAN’T SEE THE (SE) GAME!
Seriously, that sucks.
On the bright side, Kamal’s analysis of it left MUCH to be desired, so I imagine Valabik got his butt handed to him, or it was a hugging match.
Somebody, anybody, please update me on the quality of that tussle. I’m also curious if this is the tallest bout this season.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 13, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
One-year wonder which wins a Cup…a solid ten-year run of excellence (but maybe no Cup)…At THIS point, I’d be happy with either!
Thrashers have stabilized a bit, only 2-1 now past the halfway mark of the 2nd.
What year are we in of Donny’s new “plan”? Honest question. When are we expected to make them again—and when will be consistently competitive?
I wish our esteemed beat-writer(s) would ask that of Donny, who has clammed up to the local media, it seems to me…
This clown should have been gone so long ago it’s not even funny…
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Ranallo, it was a whole lotta clutching and grabbing. Chara got the instigator penalty, for coming to the aid of the “untouchable” Phil Kessel. Each man threw several punches, that mostly hit helmets. Boston scored, 3-1.
It was not nearly the “heavyweight slugfest” that one might have imagined. Boris struggled with balance a bit, but held his own. Chara didn’t beat him. But neither did Valabik. I’d call it a straight draw.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 13, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
One-year wonder which wins a Cup…a solid ten-year run of excellence (but maybe no Cup)…At THIS point, I’d be happy with either!
I can’t agree more. Scary…everybody should make sure their bomb shelter’s are supplied with food for a WHILE, because Sage and I agree about something.
Brendan — Thanks for the recap.
As for your point…I’ve got 40 years worth of ammunition to thumb my nose at Toronto fans. They can say “well, at least we won one” and I can reply “that was before you were alive…”. They can say “well at least we’ve won one” and I can say “we’ve been around for 10 years, what’s your excuse for the last 40?”.
Regardless, having a banner is always easier to point to then have to rely on teasing the Maple Leafs fans.
But really, would you rather be a Carolina fan, or a Buffalo fan? I’ll take Buffalo, as their “confidence” has been backed by years of success.
It’s nitting picks, really. As Sage said, I’ll take either in place of 10 years and only one playoff berth to show for it.
By Bob
December 13, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
I’m not exactly envious of the runs to The Cup Carolina and Tampa Bay have made
Oh. My. Goodness.
Thank you for one succint partial sentence shedding light into Ranallo World
You are not envious of a club skating The Cup, and you’re a fan of hockey? Really? No, Really?!? Really?
By Bob
December 13, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Succinct. succinct?
Let’s put this into perspective. If I was a Caniac or a Bolt fan, there’s 10 year moratorium on calling for the GM’s head. Yeah, that’s right, Waddell wins us a Cup, 10 years. Free pass. 5% raise every year. Last place 2 years later? Up his contract.
maroons
By five_hole
December 13, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Valabik just took on Chara in a fight!
It was not nearly the “heavyweight slugfest” that one might have imagined. Boris struggled with balance a bit, but held his own. Chara didn’t beat him. But neither did Valabik. I’d call it a straight draw.
I saw the fight completely differently. Chara landed several good punches, Boris struggled but never really punched Chara. Really pretty much the same with Boris’s fight Friday night. He’s a big kid, but the Thrashers need to send him to fight school. On the other hand, he really laid out Savard in our end.
We played well defensively, but continue to struggle with the offense.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 13, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
When will the magical spreadsheet arrive where it statistically PROVES that Don Waddell is actually the best GM in the history of the NHL—and that we should be thankful we have him on ‘our’ side?
Seriously.
I’m waiting for my eyes to be finally opened! Where once I was blind, NOW I can see!
Hallelujah!!! (and wave that wittle bwuewand fwag while you’re at it…)
By Alan
December 13, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Boris struggled but never really punched Chara.
Chara also restrained him. From what I saw, all they mostly did was bicker at each other.
Really pretty much the same with Boris’s fight Friday night.
I think we watched two different fights. Though you might be referring to Chara vs. Thorburn from last night.
By Thrashy Thrashy
December 13, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
In all fairness to Valabik, he’s not used to fighting a guy that’s bigger and stronger than him. It wasn’t much of a fight because of that. Chara wasn’t able to get off because he isn’t used to it.
In any event, another crappy game by Ze Trash.
By Brendan
December 13, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
I was hoping the game might be replayed on Fox SportsSouth. But no such luck. Maybe I should review the fight again. But, my recollection of it was that Chara connected with Boris’ helmet and shoulder pads, while Boris threw a few that seemed to land on Chara’s shoulder pads. I don’t think a single punch landed on flesh. Well, Chara’s first punch sort of caught Valabik’s ear.
I want to be CLEAR about something. I don’t work for the WBC, WBA, or any other sanctioned boxing commission or organization. I can swear on a Bible that I’ve never scored a fight. If we go by “most punches thrown,” I’d award the bout to Chara.
Great game between Phoenix and Detroit. Wings lead 3-1, but the Coyotes popped in three to take the lead, but couldn’t hold it. It’s 4-4, headed to overtime as we speak.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 13, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
You are not envious of a club skating The Cup, and you’re a fan of hockey?
You’re an idiot. You remove the last bit of my statement and then act surprised that I could say such a thing.
but I’m not exactly envious of the runs to The Cup Carolina and Tampa Bay have made, mainly due to their seasons afterward
I went on to explain my position. Disagree with it all you like, that’s fine…that’s why it is MY opinion (not yours, despite how much your ego wishes my opinions were yours).
But since you probably didn’t read that far in I’ll give you a synopsis of my opinion. I, as a fan, would rather my favorite team dominate their opponents then win ONCE and collapse back into mediocrity.
Most players don’t agree with such a belief, as the championship is the pinnacle of their career. When I play my sports, I’m not happy knowing my team can’t win the most important games of our season…thus, I specify as a fan in my above opinion. As a fan I take pride in knowing my favorite team is consistently better than other teams. One trophy in the entirety of my team’s existence means little to me if that Cup is surrounded by embarrassment.
I know the intricacies of a person’s opinion can be lost in an online posting…but come ON, nobody doesn’t want to win a Cup. I prefer to completely dominate, ala the Oilers, Canadians and Islanders of yore, or the Red Wings of late. You can get your giggles over one Cup win…I aim for larger.
By LAC
December 14, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
You are RIGHT Sage, this Mike Kobler won’t ask him when he plans on resigning… Guess ajc is a tool of asg… What a classic combo, you get nothing from either, Wonderful !!!!!
“Thanks” Mike for side stepping a solid issue, real classy !
By R. Stroz
December 14, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
LAC - Why would Waddell resign?
Do you think any other team in the NHL would hire one of the worst GMs in the history of the NHL?
If Waddell resigns, he’ll be selling portable crappers again.
Waddell will ride the ASG gravy train as long as possible. He will say whatever he is told to say and do whatever he is told to do in order to keep his job with the Thrashers.
Waddell knows he will never have another job that pays him as well as the ASG. He doesn’t care about Atlanta hockey fans; he only cares about his own wallet, just like the ASG owners. Birds of a feather flock together; or in this case, birds of a feather screw Atlanta hockey fans together.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 14, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
That is PRECISELY why it’s long past time to stop giving them your money.
But the sheep continue to enable. Look in the mirror, sheep, for one of the big reasons ownership/management is NOT held accountable.
The local media isn’t doing it—and they should be ashamed of themselves.
It’s now in the hands of only one party: the fans. Empty the arena completely.
BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!! It might be already…
By volgrad1985
December 14, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
Since polls seem to be the rage at times, my two cents worth is that I agree with Renallo’s point of view over Brendan’s regarding repeated success vs one year wonders.
In my opinion, Renallo said it best here: “I’d rather feel disappointed that my team cannot get over that final hump/obstacle and win a Cup, then watch my team win one and follow it up with dismal season after dismal season.”
By Brendan
December 14, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I feel like my view might be taken slightly out of context. More specifically, this portion: “One year wonder.” I think there might be misperception out there that I want to clarify. “One year wonder” doesn’t mean … 20, 30 years of sub .500 seasons + 1 Stanley Cup.
Did everyone catch that?
I meant it more in terms of, a city wins a Cup, then misses the playoffs for a few seasons, then gets back into contention for a few years, possibly winning ANOTHER Cup. But maybe not. See, it’s my view that teams ebb and flow, naturally, from high end to low end and back up again. I didn’t mean, that a team should have one, amazing spectacular run, followed by a dozen years in the lottery draft. Which is what, I think, some of you are thinking. That’s the path we’re on now, minus the Stanley Cup win. And, be honest, since we’re on this path, wouldn’t you ALL have preferred that 2005 been a Stanley Cup winning season, if that season had been played? If you are shaking your head, “No,” I shall be quite disappointed in you, because you didn’t wish for OUR team to win the Cup. Which seems inherently WRONG, to me. But I digress.
Also, any references to the 1996 Florida Panthers or the 1997 and 2003 Florida Marlins, also conjure up misimages of what I mean. In those instances, the word that immediately comes to mind is FIRESALE. We, as fans, seem to be conditioned, like Pavlov’s dog, into a petrified stance, genuflecting at the mere mention of the word, while uttering, “God forbid!,” while glancing SKYWARD.
Stop. That’s NOT my viewpoint. I repeat, that’s NOT my viewpoint. Here is my viewpoint. The team TRIES every single year to improve. Some years they succeed better than others. But they’re still TRYING, with committed ownership and capable Management, towards winning another Championship. That’s a vast, night and day different scenario that … “Okay Boys! Now that we’ve won the Championship, you’ve ALLL been TRADED!!”
As fans, we root for our teams to do the best they can, in any given season. That’s often tempered with expectations. Expectations are derived from objectively looking at the big picture, then making an assessment of how far the team has come, and realistically can go. It’s my view that … I’d always accept a championship as the best possible outcome. Fluky, or not.
Stop. Imagine if the Thrashers won the Cup? Still with me? What are the ODDS that it wouldn’t be dismissed as “fluky?” Especially, by those sitting up in Toronto. Well, flucky or not, I’m taking it!! It counts. The names of the Thrasher players go on the Cup, “fluky” or not. They got 16 playoff wins. Period, the end. There are videos and DVDs documenting the achievement. There is a big, blue banner hanging from the rafters that reads, “Stanley Cup Champions.” So what, if it takes 3-5 years to get BACK to the Stanley Cup Finals. It takes as long as it does. Ideally, the Thrashers would win the Cup every year. That’s not being realistic, however.
You native Atlantans and longtime residents of this city, Do you remember what they used to say about Atlanta, until the Braves won the World Series? “We’re hexed. We’re jinxed. We can’t win the BIG ONE. We’re Losersville.” Any of this sound familiar? That’s the power of winning a Championship. It ends that kind of talk. As a fan, all I really ask is that my team be seriously TRYING to advance to a Championship. If, in the seasons following a championship, they hit “bumps in the road,” but are still TRYING HARD, then … it is what it is. I’d still support them in their endeavors to return to Championship form. But there’s still the banner hanging, documenting what once was, and can be again. It takes … HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES … to win another Cup. I don’t ask my team to be the Red Wings. Namely, a Top Four team, every season, since 1993 inclusive. I understand the dynamics of the smaller market cities, like Atlanta. We’re fighting an uphill battle, even with intelligent, capable ownership. You can’t sell a $75 seat up in the 400’s section of Philips Arena. Not a blessed soul will buy it. But, in Detroit, you can! That’s the dynamics of their market. With that kind of revenue stream, a lot is possible.
By The Joker
December 14, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Here’s a poll question:
Will the Thrashers win their 10th game before:
1) Christmas
2) New Years Day
3) April 1
By Brendan
December 14, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Christmas.
By Rawhide
December 14, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
I’ll say Christmas…but only because we play the Bolts and the Islanders before then. One of those game has to get a win.
But there is someting else I would like to see the team do before Christmas.